Marieke Nelissen Illustrator from 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
Website![](/site/assets/files/12451/portraitphoto.300x250.jpg)
What brought you to illustration?
I have always loved to create as long as I can remember.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
After I have brought the children to school I go to my studio, which is a room in the house.
I know exactly what I'm going to do every day so I can start right away. The first few hours are precious because that's when my concentration is at it's best. Around noon I make myself lunch and have a half hour break. After that I return to my work for another two hours of illustrating until it's time to pick up the children from school. The rest of the day I go with the flow. It depends on what the children are up to. Mostly I read my e-mails, do a bit of administrative work and organise my plans for the next day. But sometimes I want to finish an illustration desperately and continue to work until it's time to cook dinner. After dinner I relax.
![Illustration from "De tovenaar van Oz", published 2019 by Lemniscaat](/site/assets/files/12453/oz-23.300x250.jpg)
Illustration from "De tovenaar van Oz", published 2019 by Lemniscaat
Are there any illustrators who influenced/influence you?
Big influencers are Rébecca Dautremer and Shaun Tan. But I look a lot at other image makers and get influenced by everybody more or less I think.
What inspires you? Where do you get your ideas from?
My biggest inspiration is nature.
Do you have a favourite illustrator/artist/author?
I'm afraid there are to many favorites to mention. It changes a lot too. It depends on where I'm at in my own development I guess
![Illustration from "Het verlangen van de prins", published 2020 by Gottmer](/site/assets/files/12456/princelonging.300x250.jpg)
Illustration from "Het verlangen van de prins", published 2020 by Gottmer
Do you like listening to music or audio books while working or do you prefer silence?
I love to listen to movie soundtracks.
Do you have a favourite place to work?
My studio. It's small, comfortable and over the years perfectly layed out with drawers and cabinets for my materials and illustrations.
Is there a particular story you would love to illustrate?
I love folktales. I grew up being introduced to many different cultures through my fathers work. I love the mysterious atmosphere, the history and the unexpected.
![Illustration from "Verhalen van de Fladdertak", not published yet](/site/assets/files/12459/forestspirit.300x250.jpg)
Illustration from "Verhalen van de Fladdertak", not published yet
What was your favourite illustration you have made so far?
It's one that is not yet published. About a forest spirit and a very cheeky hedgehog.
What can you be found doing when your are not illustrating?
I like to watch movies. I'm a huge fan of all Wes Anderson's movies! And I like to read, go out for walks in the forest or coastline.
![Dodo illustration from "De eenhoorn en andere fantastische dieren ..." | Lotte Stegeman | Luitingh-Sijthoff | 2020](/site/assets/files/12461/dodo-rgb.300x250.jpg)
Dodo illustration from "De eenhoorn en andere fantastische dieren ..." | Lotte Stegeman | Luitingh-Sijthoff | 2020
What makes the art of illustrating special to you?
Everything is possible in illustration!
What makes a good illustrator?
One that listens carefully to the brief of a client and is capable of capturing the wish of the client without losing the freedom to create.
![Illustration from "De tovenaar van Oz", published 2019 by Lemniscaat](/site/assets/files/12463/oz-18.300x250.jpg)
Illustration from "De tovenaar van Oz", published 2019 by Lemniscaat
Do you struggle sometimes? Do you have to motivate yourself, and if so, what helps? Is there a kind of "illustrator's block?"
Of course. Sometimes the work of other imagemakers overwhelm me and I feel mediocre and lost between al these wonderful creators. When I have a bad day I don't force myself to create. I go and do something that relax me or distracts me. Like doing simple household chores or go out for a walk. Most of the time things get back in perspective when you let go.